Nash Cup Local Entries
The 2013 NASH Cup will feature a record level of Local Participation
When the NASH Cup Professional Squash Tournament was launched in 2008 a primary objective was to enhance the opportunities for top local players. London is blessed with a vibrant squash community, supporting 6 facilities and over 25 courts. We have junior programs that are the envy of the province, and the strongest university squash teams in the country. Helping our local athletes make the jump for amateur to professional status is a critical piece to leveraging these strengths.
The 2013 NASH Cup is less than 90 days away, and the professional entries are coming in strong. The entries will remain open until August the 6th.
At a local level the pieces are quickly falling into place. Nick Sachvie of St. Catherine’s Ontario will be given the Wild Card space in the main draw. Local entries in the qualification round will include Bruce Burrows (professional); Brad Hanebury (London Squash 2013 Club Champion); and the top 2 players from the Western Men’s Squash Team.
Nick Sachvie – White Oaks Resort – St. Catherine’s, Ontario – 2013 Wild Card Entry
Nick has been a rising start in North American squash. He finished his 2012-2013 season playing in the #1 position for Cornell. He was ranked #6 as an individual by the CSA (Collegiate Squash Association) and was named to both the All-American and All-Ivy teams. He was a member of the Men’s Junior National team that placed 3rd at the World Junior Championships in 2010 and made the round of 16 in the individual event.
This will be Nick’s second appearance in the NASH Cup. He made the main draw in 2009 as a junior. With his PSA membership freshly re-instated he’s ready to take a run up the world rankings and will be using the 2013 tournament for his launch.
Bruce Burrows – London Squash & Fitness – London, Ontario – 2013 Local Entry
Bruce was born in Jamaica. He started playing squash at the age of 12 at the Liguanea Club under the tutelage of Noel Mckrieth. His father was 14 time Jamaican Champion and 3 time Caribbean Champion. He has represented Jamaica at both the Commonwealth and CAC games winning 2 bronze medals (team and mixed doubles). Bruce has been active as a coach at London Squash for the past 3 years and was a member of the Western varsity squash team for 4 years. He currently ranked number 2 in Jamaica and the NASH Cup will mark his first tournament as a Professional player.
Brad Hanebury – London Squash & Fitness– London, Ontario – 2013 Local Entry
Brad started in squash at a young age by becoming a Canadian Junior National Champion (a title he continues to defend against all junior under 10 players). He has gone on to have a long and colourful career in squash. He attended Western where he played on the varsity squash team and, in what must have been a weak year, was awarded team MVP. Among his playing accolades are 4 LSFC Club Championships; 2012 Ontario Provincial Team; 3 DAC Classic Wins, 2 Toledo Squash Classic Wins, and being Chris Hanebury’s Brother. Brad has given back to the community by continuing to train and mentor new generations of UWO players, who look up to him as that weird uncle whom no one in the family talks about.
Western Men’s Squash Team – Two 2013 Local Entries
The Western Men’s Squash Team is the longest running sports dynasty in Western university’s history. The program has won 30 consecutive OUA championships and is currently ranked 9th in the US Collegiate Squash Association. The 2013 NASH Cup will feature two of the teams’ top players as they test their abilities against some of the world’s best. While top players Albert Shoihit and James Van Staveren are largely expected to plain these coveted positions, the team has great depth and others (like Adrian Ostbye) will be looking to spoil their party.
This will be the strongest pool of local talent ever assembled for the NASH Cup. The men’s purse has been increased 50% to $15,000 for 2013 which should result in the strongest overall field of professionals London has ever seen. We will be cheering on our local players as they push to prove themselves against the works best.
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Jay Nash
Nash Cup Host 2000-2013